Sports ramblings…with a Yankees bias!

Philling Up The Rotation…

Joe Girardi went with the right choice…

Al Tielemans/Sports Illustrated

As expected, Phil Hughes was named to the Yankees starting rotation this week.While he may not have had the best spring of the contenders, he offers the greatest potential and we should look back in a few years with very appreciative eyes.

As soon as the move was announced, the blogs about how the Yankees have destroyed Joba Chamberlain started rolling in.I cannot say that the path Joba has taken has been the best for a young pitcher’s success, however, at the time of the original Joba Rules, he was compared to Boston’s Josh Beckett.He had pitched very effectively in the bullpen and it seemed as though he had the stuff to make the transition to staff ace.Unfortunately, for whatever reason, it was not meant to be.I truly believe the Yanks are better with Joba in the pen so long as he has a clearly defined 8th inning role setting up Mariano Rivera.

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I knew that either Chad Gaudin or Sergio Mitre would be the odd man out.I had expected a minor trade of Mitre for a prospect.So I was a bit surprised when the Yankees placed Gaudin on waivers and subsequently gave him his outright release.Gaudin is young and talented enough to land on his feet.His stay in New York was short but he walks away with a ring.

AP

After defeating the Philadelphia Phillies in the World Series, the team became impossible to beat this spring.In five meetings, the Yankees were able to win only one game.Fortunately, they cannot take away the World Series championship for the ‘what have you done for me lately’ situation.Joe Girardi listened to me when I said he should choose Phil Hughes.Perhaps he should listen to me again…win World Championship #28!

Derek Jeter wants to be a team owner?Well, he should certainly have the financial wherewithal if he has invested his money wisely.Still, it will be a sad day when Derek Jeter is associated with a team other than the Yankees.Hopefully, it won’t happen until after his playing days are over.I will always be a huge fan of Don Mattingly but the Dodgers uniform does consistently give me a jolt.

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The Red Sox have announced their Opening Day starter so it will be Josh Beckett versus CC Sabathia.Hey Julia, are you ready?I am!Game on, my friend!P.S.You are going down…again!:D

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